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In a recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly because of his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted how the discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay both Greece's destiny and the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”

Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.